Needles and Herbs: Do Not Be Afraid

by Sister Sukyi Hur, CSJP

Sister Sukyi is originally from Busan, South Korea. She professed final vows in 2013 and recently completed a Master of Arts in Pastoral Studies from Seattle University. Sister Sukyi ministers as an acupuncturist and with the local Korean Catholic community in the Seattle area.

Sometimes western medicine is limited in its choice of treatment. Patients can benefit by the Asian herbal medicine or acupuncture treatment.

I believe this work is a very good natural treatment. Also, I hope my work has helped my clients to grow both spiritually and personally. I choose to do community service by offering acupuncture for our own sisters. In both practices I feel that my healing ministry is connected with our Congregation's Charism of Peace and Justice and in care of family and community. When my clients share with me it helps me to grow in my spiritual life, along with other things I do.

I recommend these practices for anyone who has pain or health problems or those who would like to prevent unhealthy conditions. Most clients are treated with acupuncture for pain control but we can treat for acute or chronic symptoms, and autoimmune disorders and stress. I have treated many cases of pain control with good results. However, patience is needed when under treatment (sometimes several sessions) and many clients want short treatment and good results. People with chronic cases need long or life-time treatment and that can be a challenge financially.

Autoimmune disorder cases require long or life-time treatment as they do in western treatment. Sometimes they need both western and oriental herbal treatment: taking western medicine with Asian medicine or acupuncture. Asian herbal medicine is often more expensive than western medicine, and sometimes clients and western doctors do not understand Asian herbal medicine, so they are afraid of this treatment.

I hope for more open mindedness and understanding of Asian herbal medicine and acupuncture. If you have not yet experienced acupuncture and Asian herbal medicine, do not be afraid. There are no side effects, and there are good results.